The meaning of Chinese New Year
Time files, we will be on Chinese New Year holiday in less than two weeks. Even though, the world includes China still under shade of Covid-19, everybody is excited to embrace this holiday, which a meaningful time for Chinese no matter live in China or outside of China.
Regional customs and traditions of the New Year vary widely. But there is things common for every family. One is the Chinese New year eve dinner. Family members of several generations gathered this annual re-union dinner. I am always filled with tears when I image this moment. Once one year to meet grandparents, parents, sisters, brothers, cousin,nephews. Such a warm and happy time!
Other one is cleaning. Cleaning the house is a long-observed Chinese New Year tradition. The ground, the walls, and every corner of the house need to be cleaned. In Chinese, “Dust” is a homophone for the word “Chen", meaning the old. Therefore a year-end cleaning is needed to drive the old things or the bad luck away from the house, and get ready for a new start.
Another custom is the decoration of windows and doors with red paper-cuts and couplets. Popular themes among these paper-cuts and couplets include that of good fortune or happiness, wealth, and longevity.
There is a lot of activities, such as lighting firecrackers and giving money in red paper envelopes. For the northern regions of China, dumplings are featured prominently in meals celebrating the festival. It often serves as the first meal of the year either at midnight or as breakfast of the first day.
Many people who work out of their hometown can’t go back to hometown to celebrate this moment with their family due to impact of COVID-19. But the tradition and wishes remain the same.
Wish everyone have a healthy, safe, peaceful and happiness New Year Holiday!
If you are out to riding, don’t forget to put your helmets on. We can not even bear a thought of worrying a beloved ones!
We will see you on the year of cow!
